Hi everyone. How are you? Still pretty moved/excited/freaked/heartbroken after the episode? Cause I sure am. All of these things and more. As you may have noticed, I don’t really write reviews for the show, honestly, time is not my friend here, but I decided to do an exception this week and do a one-off. Especially considering the magnitude of this brilliant hour.
Whenever I’m talking about
Person Of Interest, I’m referring to it by calling it one of the best shows made on TV in years (that I’ve had a chance to watch). And it’s just so wonderfully unique about many, many things. The creators of the show don’t even hesitate to make bold decisions about killing one of its main characters that has been there from the start. Especially someone with a lot of fans and played by a brilliant actress like Taraji P. Henson. Truth be told, it’s not even the call to do something quite risky like this, but it’s the
stunning execution of it that makes this show so special.
Joss and John – The good guys vs. everyone else
Let’s talk about Carter. Since the beginning of this season she’s been on a mission to end HR. And what a wonderful job she did. To make things even more impressive, most of the evidence she managed to collect to put 98% of HR members behind bars she found all on her own. But in this episode she needed some help to get both the evidence and the head of HR (and the Mayor's Chief of Staff) Alonzo Quinn to the FBI, since they were the only ones to be trusted at this point. And it seems like the entire city showed up to stop Joss and John from reaching the federal building. Which has created a number of great moments between the characters. I really enjoyed their conversations and comparing experiences, but I did not expect the kiss to happen. Never thought there was any indication of romantic feelings between the two, so even though it was a generally sweet scene, it felt quite out of place. Also, the second the kiss happened, I just had this awful feeling that Carter is not getting out of this one alive. And as it turned out in the last minute of the episode, it was a good guess. I was glad to see Joss finishing her mission and becoming a Detective again, but a part of me wishes that she went down fighting for her cause and not end up being ambushed in the alley outside of the police precinct. But at least she died with her friend by her side and had a chance to tell him something before dying and not went down without a word, in the middle of the chaos. It was a heartbreaking moment, a quiet, dark scene that made me freeze for a while after it ended.
Finch and Root – Trapped with no good options
The easiest way for Person Of Interest to make a powerful scene is just to put those two together in it. Finch and Root have a way of stealing the show for me, but this time everyone brought their A game and it’s impossible to choose who was the MVP this week. What’s so mesmerizing about the interactions between these two computer geniuses is the fact that both actors are definitely among the best ones on TV and also, their theories/feelings about the Machine end up creating so many possibilities for us to speculate about. I could spend hours just considering all the options… Finch in this episode had an awfully hard choice to make, between doing
everything to save his friends and preventing someone truly dangerous and completely unpredictable to be let free in the world. And truth be told, there’s no way of knowing whether he made a good decision. It’s hard to say if Root, with the Machine’s help could change anything for Carter. Especially knowing just how late the call about Joss’ number being next came. Unless of course the call at the end wasn’t about her. Which would probably be even worse.
An interesting suggestion about Finch’s past was brought up by Root this week. Is is true that he had partners before John, who helped him with everything? I never thought about it, so this came as a surprise to me. If he did, then what happened to them. Are they dead? Or Lost? Or just quit at some point? Here’s to endless possibilities!
Fusco and Shaw – The choices we make
Finally, the last duo I wanted to talk about is Fusco and Shaw, who were probably my favorite part of the entire episode. Ever since I’ve seen the promo for the episode 3.08 “Endgame” I could not stop worrying about Fusco. He was clearly presented as the hero who will fall during this three episode arc and considering the rumors about Kevin Chapman leaving the show, I was preparing myself to say goodbye to the character. And what happened to Det. Fusco in this episode was brutal, very emotional and absolutely heartbreaking. Getting beaten up and even tortured is one thing but to be forced to listen to someone aiming a gun at your child with every intention of pulling the trigger is probably one of the worst things I can imagine that can happen to a person. And to see someone as strong as Fusco breaking down in this moment was the thing that really killed me this week. It also led to my favorite Shaw scene/rescue ever with her showing up just in time to save Lionel’s son, even though it meant not being there for him when he was about to be executed. It was the best choice she could make and I was so happy she did it. Even if Fusco died a minute later it would still be a right thing to do and it’s so good to see Shaw showing some emotions and considering other people’s feelings. But the greatest, honestly the happiest moment of the episode, without a doubt was seeing Lionel getting free. I was so relieved, even though I was pretty sure I knew what it meant. After this episode, I hope to see more interactions between Fusco and Shaw. They really worked together so well. Everyone was so well matched this week.
Final thoughts
I am sad to see Carter go, she was a great character, a strong, smart woman who achieved so much and was a joy to watch fighting next to our guys every week. This episode was for her. And it was a perfect hour to say goodbye.
So, what did you think about the episode? Did you expect Carter to be the one to die? Do you have any favorite moments/episode with her that you would like to share with? Did you cry? How many times have you shed a tear during the episode? Is there anything you would change about it?
Justyna Kubica
21. Student. SpoilerTV Writer. Loves Movies, TV Shows (SPN, Doctor Who, Fringe, Merlin, Sherlock, Once Upon A Time, POI etc) and Books (HP). Fantasy&SciFi geek! Scene Of The Week articles author.
Actually, the kiss wasn't scripted. It was something that Jim felt he had to do, and Taraji went for it, but i loved that scene.
ReplyDeletemaybe, but it fit. fans got to squeal, then be mad like 3 minutes later. myself included. i think it actually fit though, for them.
ReplyDeleteThe scene was definitely lovely. And I did read about the kiss not being scripted.
ReplyDeleteI guess it just seems out of place for me, because I never even considered a romantic connection between the two :)
Great review, Justyna. I'm aware that you left the payphone-ringing-scene open for interpretation, but I thought it was quite indicative of Reese's number coming up, and not Carter's. Carter sadly jumped in front of Reese almost instinctively, unfortunately receiving the brunt of Simmons' attack as a result. It was definitely gut-wrenching and harrowing to watch, but also deeply symbolic in retrospect of their earlier "kiss" scene. Carter died a hero and arguably a martyr as well, given the effect it will have on the others, especially Reese.
ReplyDeleteAs for the "kiss," I didn't think it was romantic, either, but also not out of place. It felt like an authentic expression of emotion and desperation between two human beings whom thought they wouldn't survive their situation, at least not without one of them dying. That's why the ending was so horrific, because it happened so rapidly after such a palpable sensation of relief.
I want to say to the fans feeling inclined to quit the show (if they haven't already done so), I know it hurts and I probably can't change your opinion on whether to continue watching, but this episode was perfectly illustrative of the visible disconnect between unique series like POI and your run-of-the-mill "procedural" or cop show. This was bound to happen at some point; maybe not so soon, and perhaps not executed in the same manner, but from the onset of the series, Nolan signaled rather plainly that he wasn't going to do a "safe" cookie-cutter type show without permanent consequences.
Thank you. I agree with you on this. Carter died like a hero, saving Reese. And yeah, I'm leaving the scene open for interpretation, since we didn't hear what it was about after all and the writers are so creative that I believe it could be anything ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso nicely said! I'm hoping that Carter's death is not gonna be a reason for many fans to quit the show. I know it's hard to lose a character you really like, but POI is such a great show that I have faith in its creators to make it work.
Nice review, thanks. I also people think twice before abandoning the show. I will miss Carter for she was the heart and soul of the show, and that has been shattered a bit. But isn't that why we watch, because the show doesn't follow the "oh my god the person is in a coma or a catastrophic car cash will they live or die", only to find out after that 'cliffhanger" that it was nothing more than a gratuitous ploy. Major characters rarely die, even in dangerous plotline situations becuase the producers are too afraid to upset the apple cart - and the art and integrity of the show suffers. POI has decided to respect us, their audience, more than that. For that reason, I will continue to watch, with Carter's legacy in spirit.
ReplyDeleteAs for their kiss, I too never saw them as romantically connected, but the kiss was appropriate...for it was a bonding moment between two people who had gone through a lot together, understood each other, and were facing death. It fit, and it was heartwarming.
WAHHH? How do you know? Tell me! PLEASE!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) And yeah, I definitely agree with you. I'm really glad that POI has managed to deal with such a dramatic death in a very serious, respectful way. It never really crossed my mind to quit watching the show.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the kiss IMHO it was the failure of the human factor. I mean they are in the set, an unscripted idea pops up - and everybody is swooned how good they did it. (The acting was excellent, so I'm not surprised). Then in the cutting room it has to be decided which one should remain? I think it requires an exceptional capability of looking as an outsider and a heart of stone at once to drop the scene which everybody praised and keep the other. And in the end it was a toss up in worst case - some people loved it those who didn't they (me among them) only shake their heads, but don't riot against it.
One thing though I disagree in your take about Carter's final moments. I've read it elsewhere too, that it would have been better her going down while fighting for her cause. I think you missed the moment, she did it exactly. She died while she picked up the fight to protect the man who loved her and who was her best friend. I think that it doesn't belittle her sacrifice that at that moment it was for one single person and not for some abstract greater good.
http://tvline.com/2013/11/21/person-of-interest-taraji-p-henson-leaving-carter-dies/
ReplyDeleteAbout Carter's final moments, yeah I do see it like that. I just couldn't find the right words to describe it. Sometime it's hard to express some things ;) Nicely said. She did die as a hero, no doubts here.
ReplyDeleteI always thought there was an attraction, but I think it's more of a spiritual one than a hot steamy one. I think Joss, Zoe, and Shaw all represent a certain aspect with Reese. Shaw (although more extreme) is his skill set and mirror of his past, Zoe is his personal aesthetic (class, charm, wit, looks), and Carter his heart and soul and really metaphorically the heart and soul of the series, in which her death may signify that we are in an unjust reality, which gives acceptability and leeway for characters like Root and Shaw...
ReplyDeleteReally great review Justyna! I too really loved those Shaw and Fusco moments! I'm glad you pointed out how Shaw was thoughtful towards Fusco by choosing to protect his son. It's something I haven't seen discussed yet and something that I think is really important in terms of understanding and/or watching her character evolve!! Great job!! :)
I really like the way you describe the relationships between John, Zoe, Carter and Shaw. Definitely agree. I always thought Joss and John had a great sense of understanding each other. In more of a spiritual way, yes.
ReplyDeleteAlso thanks for kind words and yeah I love the character's evolution that is starting for Shaw. For me it definitely makes her a more compelling character.
I thought the kiss was entirely correct and right, I did not regard it as a romantic kiss instead "I love you, you understand me, I understand you, there is a high probability we are going to die," two people in a desperate situation coming together in their shared humanity. I still thought Simmons was coming back, but I thought he would get Fusco, so I was doubly shocked when Carter was killed. But I also thought Carter went out the way she would want, protecting and serving, as she was a cop to her bones, and she would have died especially to save John Reese.
ReplyDeleteThat capital L on Lost--I got what you did there Justyna, regarding Finch's partners. Anyway, I jumped in on this episode after having missed season 3 entirely, and just having finished season 2 a few days ago. But then I saw the talk about someone major dying this episode, and decided I'll keep watching live and catch up little by little.
ReplyDeleteI thought for sure it would be Fusco. For a minute I thought his son, but then, it was supposed to be a main star, so, I figured not. Then the kiss happened, and I knew. (It's that trope, like the one used on Breaking Bad when Hank called Marie and said he loved her). I'm very sad and miss Joss Carter. Great character. Who can replace her?
Excellent review, really well written and you touch on so many points with such a great perspective that i find myself agreeing with pretty much everything.
ReplyDeleteMy own view on the kiss has changed on re-watching the episode and the show in total again, at first i thought it was out of place, it didn't make sense to me, especially considering they've always suggested a zoe/reece relationship. Even this season we got to see Reese walk Zoe home at the end of an episode, suggesting that they are in some sort of relationship.
All of this initally made me question the kiss, it seemed to come from left base somewhat, until i rewatched some of the episodes and the last one again.
To me Reese is preparing to sacrifice himself for Carter, she's the one person he's consistently thought of as better than him, more important or worthy of being around, from early on in the show he's consistently said things to make this point over and over. So when it comes down to the situation they're in, he immediately puts her life above his own, knowing his numbers up only adds into the sense that this time it really is the end of the line.
So what do you do in that situation? how do you tell someone just how much they've meant to you? you can use your words, but Reese isn't exactly the most forthcoming person when it comes to his feelings, so he does what he does, in a spontaneous moment he kisses Carter, thereby letting her know just how much she's meant to him these past few years.
It's a romantic kiss in a sense but more importantly it's an emotional one, it's not the precursor to the beginning of a romantic relationship, but more an acknowledgement of the relationship between the two characters.
Beautiful! :')
ReplyDeletewow !!!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, thanks for king words :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, wow, seems like everyone is really focusing on the kiss. I thought it was a nice moment and yeah my opinion had changed a bit after rewatching it, but I find it strange how everyone keeps talking about it and not about all the other, huge things that happened in the episode ;)
Yay at someone noticing my Lost reference! ;)
ReplyDeleteI know, it was just this moment, the kiss that made me go, oh, it's Carter! I'm gonna miss Joss. She can't be replaced. But I'm sure we're gonna get to know more about our other great characters and maybe even meet some new ones, who could eventually join the cast and be a heart of the show in a way that Carter was.
A cop to her bones - couldn't agree more. And yeah, for a long time I was expecting it to be Fusco, so the shock definitely got me.
ReplyDelete